CHEMPACKs are containers of nerve agent antidotes placed in secure locations in local jurisdictions around the country to allow rapid response to a chemical incident. These medications treat the symptoms of nerve agent exposure and can be used even when the actual agent is unknown.
Because these antidotes must be administered quickly, the CHEMPACK team maintains approximately 1,974 containers strategically placed in approximately 1,330 locations in the United States and its territories. More than 90 percent of the U.S. population is within 1 hour of a CHEMPACK location. Most are located in hospitals or fire stations selected by local authorities to support a rapid hazmat response and can be accessed quickly if hospitals or first responders need them.
Nerve Agent EUA Information
On April 11, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to permit the emergency use of the 2 mg atropine auto-injector, manufactured by Rafa Laboratories, Ltd. On May 23, 2017, FDA amended the EUA to also permit the emergency use of pediatric strengths (i.e., 0.5 mg and 1 mg) of this atropine auto-injector. On January 24, 2018, FDA granted another EUA amendment to permit auto-injector administration through clothing. These products are included in CHEMPACK containers located across the United States. This specific atropine auto-injector is authorized for the initial treatment of symptoms of known or suspected poisoning in individuals exposed to nerve agents or certain insecticides (organophosphorus and/or carbamate). The original letter of authorization describes the scope and conditions of EUA that apply to all three strengths (0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg) of this atropine auto-injector; the amendment letters are addenda to the original letter of authorization. The amended fact sheets dated January 24, 2018 (version 3) for healthcare providers and patients and caregivers are the current versions and available through FDA’s EUA website.
Contact Us
For further questions or information about the Strategic National Stockpile, please email us at
sns.ops@hhs.gov
